Printing machine



0a. 1, 1946; F, L; FULLER 2,408,622

PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nqv. 2, 1945 9 sheets-sheen FRA'MR K 1.. 'uu.M599;

A TTORNEY L. FULLER PRINTING MACHINE F iled Nov. 2, 1943 MUM 9Sheet-Sheefi s v FIGAQ ATTORNEY Oct. 1, 1946. FULLER 2,408,622

' PRINT iNG MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 v 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 I NTOHFREUQ'RICK L. FULL ,amn

AITORNEY Oct. 1, 1946. F. FULLER PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 9Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOR FREDERICK 1.. FULLER ascewsao By aLQPfiIILLI SV- .SBJIAIFR/SON ETECUTOQS A TTORNE Y I 0a. 1, 1946. 7 F.| FPLLER2,408,622

PRiMING MACHINE I Filed Nov. 2, 1943 '9 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN V NTOR.FREaERIcK i n/1.1.51? 05454550 ATTORNEY Oct.'1, 1946.. F. FULLER2,408,522

' PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1945 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVEN TORATTORINJE'Y FIG-.9.

ct. l, 1946. I I F. LQEULLER 1 08,622

PRINT-INGMACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 9 Sheets-Sheet s FEEGERICWYFPJL LER,874. PHIL L12 E4 f? 1.10M

BY RS A'TTORNEY Oct. '1, 1946. FULLER 2,408,622

PRINTING MACHINE Filed Nov. 2, 1943 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 EXECUTORS A TTORNEY Patented Oct. 1, 1946 UNITED STAT ES PATENT OFFICE PRINTING MACHINEFrederick L. Fuller, deceased, late-of West Orange, N. J., by SchuylerB. Harrisomg East Orange,

N. J., and John G.

executors, assignors I Phillips, New York,

N. Y., International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., acorpora'tion 6f New York Application November 2, 1943, sea-am, 503,676

This invention relates to printing mechanisms and more particularly tothe type coordinated with manually controlled sorting machines which 14Claims. (01. 101-93) enables the provision of separate printed listsstrip and, to effect printing impressions from the printing wheels upontheselected record tape in a novel manner. i h A still further object ofthe invention is to enable the concurrent radial positioning ofthetwogroups of printing wheels as the sorting drum is rotated back andforth to predetermined check receiving positions and to provide animproved are selected ease of detachment of the printed tapes, fin'sertv ing new paper rolls, placing a new inking ribbon in the printingmechanism, etc.

, A further object of the present inventionis to devise a constructionof printing" mechanism which can be assembled at each side of thesorting machine, which construction not only possesses the above namedvirtues but further makes the machine more attractive from a commercialviewpoint by reason of the fact that the rnach'ine 4 may beplacedagainst a wall. 'In this respect, the present machine overcomesthe "ar'awbaick and objections to the machine shown inthepatent to F. L.Fuller et al., No. 2,142,352 "in which it will be observed that theseparatetapefor strip printing mechanisms are m'ounte d'atthe rear ofthe machine requiring additional overalifioor space. ,1

A further object oi'the present, invention is to provide a printingmechanism which is capable of printing upon aplurality of selectedrecord tapes in which nost of the heavy parts of the pri tingmechanismsarecarried by the stationary framework and emyfajrew parts rel,ativelylight in weight are requiredito 'move. In this respect the presentmachine is a maid improve ment over the construction show'njin thepatent to 1i. L. Fuller, No. 1,966,623, which constructionhas-thedrawback in that practically parts of the separate tape printinmChaTiiSm$ ti carried by the rotatable sorting drum. This has been foundto greatly increase "the load'onthe motive power of the machine,

A morespeciiic object' of the presentinvention is to provide twoseparate tape printing 'rriec'ha nisms; one at each side of the machineand each substantially duplicate in construction and operio i r el\iore-specific ally it is "ang object of the present invention toprovidejeach printer at each side of the machine with a set of amountprinting wheels which are differentially rotated and radially positionedto-be coordinated with a selectedrecord upon the selected record a timefor effecting printing "'t'c. "It is to be understoodthat theillustrated in the accompanying i t ai iwe c sim e arrangement wherebythe "group of printing wheelsat one side of the machine will be ccordinaed with the related platensof the separate printing mechanisms whencertain compartments for operation and vice'versa to coordinate thegroup of printing wheels at the other side of the machine with therelated printing platens when remaining sorting compartmentsv areselected. i

positionwith respect to associated platens when the other group ofprinting wheels is coordinated witlr associated platens.- This midwayposition of one group of printing wheels is maintained during the timethat the other group of printing wheels is associated'withthe platensfor printing tapes and, in a reverse manner; a midway position oftheother group of printing wheels is maintained during the time that theremaining group of printing wheels'is associated with other platens toefiectprinting impressions upon the selected record --tapes. Hence, byvirtue of this-principle of operation, onlyone group of printing "wheelsis operable at impressions on the selected record tapex M Furtherimprovements in the machine consist of adjuncts which are in-the-form ofaligning mechanisms, means for effecting printing impressions by thegroup-of printing wheels by a hammer blow so as to make clear lineimprints and "other 'additionalimprovements which are incorporated inthe" printing mechanism'so that the latter will'oper'atemanemcientmanner.

, "Whiletthepresent "improvements in the printing *mechanismshav'e beencoordinated with a manually controlled sorting machine, it is veryobvious. that the present improvements may be applied to other formsof'printing machines such as accounting machines, bookkeepingmachines,present em "bodinfent is merelyfillustrative and is set forth todisclose'yvhatis considered as the preferred em- "bodiment of theinvention and the specific illustration here should not'b'e consideredas restric- I; r ...,1 a Other objectsof the inventionwillbe pointed outin the following description and claims and drawings, which theprinciple of the invention and the best mode, which has beencontemplated, of applying that principle.

In said drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the combined check sorting-accountingmachine to which the present improvements in printing mechanisms arepreferably incorporated.

Fig. 2 shows the control tape printing mechanism of the combined checksorting and accounting machine and also shows the connections made inthe present machine to the printing wheel setting segments herein forsetting the two groups of printing wheels.

Fig. 3 is a chart provided to diagrammatically show the differentrelative position of the two groups of printing wheels and the manner inwhich the relative positioning is maintained as different compartmentsare selected so that only one group of printing wheels will be effectiveto print, although both groups of printing wheels are concurrentlypositioned.

Fig. 4 is a detail view showing the manner of efiecting the differentialadjustment of the setting segments for the groups of printing wheels andalso showing the relationship of a group of printing wheels with severalof the printing platens.

Fig.5 is a View in elevation taken at the rear end of the machine,showing the cross connecting jack shafts and the manner in which theyhave connections for setting the two sets of setting segments for thetwo groups of printing wheels.

Fig. 6 is a detail view showing the mechanism utilized to align thedifferentially set segments as well as the radially positionable printerframe.

Fig. 7 shows the operating connections from the main operating shaft foreffecting the reciprocation of an operating plate for one of theprinters.

' Fig. 8 is a view taken at the right end of the machine, showing theentire construction of the twelve tape printer assemblies provided atthe right side of the machine.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the upper portion of the printer providedat the right side of the machine. 7 I

Fig. 10 shows the operating and driving train by means of which thesorting drum may effect the concurrent position of the two printerframes as well as to effect the setting of an indicating wheel andprinting element according to the position of the sorting drum.

Fig. 11 is a detail View showing the parts involved for unlatching thetype wheels to effect a printing impression.

Fig. 12 is a detail view showing the operating parts involved foroperating the aligning mechanism for the group of printing wheels.

Fig. 13 is a detail-view showing the operating parts involved to operatethe line spacing mechanism for the selected tape printer.

General. operation of the machine given a general description of theconstruction of the combined sorting and printing machine.

The assembled sorting and accounting machine is shown in Fig. l andrepresents except for the tape printing mechanism shown herein the formof machine which is now used commercially in banks to simultaneouslylist and sort a group of promiscuously arranged checks. The operator isprovided with a series of checks which have different classificationsand in accordance with their classifications one of the compartmentselecting keys 48 is depressed. Through a control mechanism fully shownin the patent to F. L. Fuller et al., No. 2,142,352, a drum is rotatedso as to bring a selected sorting compartment into registration with anaperture t6 in which the check to be sorted is manually inserted. Thefunction of the machine in the aforementioned patents is to sheet theentries of the amounts on the checks selectively in a plurality oftotalizers and to cause the listing of amounts on the checks upon acontrol tape is and also upon separate record tapes which are associatedwith a plurality of sorting compartments. To provide for the entry andlisting of the amounts the machine is provided with an ten key keyboard420, the keys of which are initially depressed so as to control thesetting on suitable setup mechanism of amounts equal in value to thekeys struck. After sorting compartment has been selected and the amounthas been set up on the setup mechanism, the operator having inserted thecheck in the aperture .5 then depresses a motor release bar 41. A numberof functions are then performed, one of which is the feeding of theinserted check into the selected compartment and also the positioning oftotalizer actuators in order that amounts may be entered into the grandtotalizer and selectively into one of a plurality of totalizers whichare associated with the sorting compartments and furthermore one of aplurality of printing mechanisms associated with the sortingcompartments will be selected for operation to print the amount on theselected compartment tape. A printing mechanism shown in Fig. 2 isconcomitantly adjusted so as to print the same amount printed on theselected compartment tape on the control tape 49.

The machine is provided with twenty-four compartment totalizers whichcorrespond in number to the number of sorting compartments and separatetape printing mechanisms.

In the prior construction of the separate tape printing mechanisms, asexemplified in the patent to F. L. Fuller No. 1,966,623, they were intheir entirety-carried by the sorting drum and the item printing wheelswere fixed relatively to the tape assemblies. By the differentialrotation of the sorting drum the selected tape was associated with theprinting wheels and the item printing wheels were impressed against thetape to print the items set up by the keys, In this construction theattachment of the tape assemblies to the sorting drum added considerableweight to the i sorting drum, bringing about difiiculties in thestarting and stopping of the drum, clue to momentum and inertia.

This advantage was overcome by the subse quent construction shown in thepatent to F. L. Fuller et al. No. 2,142,352 and in this arrangement thetape printing mechanisms were completely divorced from the sorting drumand were fixedly mounted at the rear of the machine. This lessened theweight of the sorting drum and made it still easier to rotate the latterand stop the same Y at selected positions but the tape printing mechanisms -were complicatedi in construction .and relativelyexpensiveltomanufacture;a" J 7 a";

A'further disadvantagewas .thatto remove the separatelyprinted tapes-itwas necessaryfor the operator to get access itothe rear of themachine.

This prevented themountingfof the-check sort.- ingand accounting machinedirectlyagainstpa wall, increasing-the fioor space necessary for theproper 'operationof the machine and which, in: someinstallations,was'found to be objectionable. The advantage of the tape printingmechanismin Patent No. 1,966,623 is that easy access couldrbe had to the printedtapes from one side of the machine and' in thepresent machine thistsameadva'ntageis gained but, however, avoiding the dis advantages inherentinthe patented construction. The present construction is; therefore,consideredto strike a favorable medium between the construction shown inthe aforementioned patents and consists of a design which is relativelysimple to manufacture andservice and provides a number of advantageswhich are attractive froma commercial viewpoint.

The combined check sorting accounting machine shown-herein'isprovidedwith differentially positionable actuators or slides 535 (Fig.2) which correspond to those shown in Patent No. 2,142,352 and similarlydesignated, JIhese actuators are differentially positioned according tothe item keys depressed-and carry rack segments 631 for actuating theselected totalizer and also carry type elements 536 of the main orcontrol tape printing mechanism forprinting on control tape 49. For theseparate tape printing mechainsms shown in the patented machine thereare connections shown in Fig. 26 of this patent. The present machinealso includes thesame form of actuating mechanism-for slides 635 but adifferent form of mechanical connection is made from the actua; tors o'rslides 535 forsetting the'printing wheels of'the' separate tape printingmechanism of the present machine. These connections are shownparticularly inFigs, 2 and 4.

Each slide 6350f the present machine is provided with a notch receivinga roller 5| on-one arm 52 of a bell crank 53 which is loosely mount edon a' support rod5 i. Of course; for the-ten amount setting slides 535of the patented" machine and the present machine there'are-ten bellcranks 53, each having a similar connectionto the related slide. Eachbell crank 53-is--a-lsopro vided with an integral rearwardlyextending-arm 55 and from the rear'of the machine as shown in Fig. 5 itwill be seen that "the arms 55 are grouped together and are disposed asshown in this figure somewhat to the left of the centerof the machine.From these" arms 55 there are operating connections to adjust the twosets of'actu ators for the two sets of printing wheels for-the separatetape printing mechanisms. Theseconnections consist in part of' a groupof'five-transversely extending shafts 55' mounted above-the arms 55 anda group of five transversely extending shafts 57 mounted below the-arms55. These shafts are known as jack shafts for the purpose of extendingmotion from one point of the machine to another point; The arms'55 forthe units, hundreds, tens of thousands, millions, hundreds of millionsdenominations are connected by links 53 to'arms '59 secured to thelower-jack shafts-5?, whereas the arms 55 for the tens, thousands,hundreds of thousands, tens of millions and'billions denomination areconnected through intermediate links 6! (Fig.4) to arms til secured tothe shafts 56. Therefore, it will be observed that the jackshafts 56 and51 have been assigned denominational values which are indicated in5;:12T0g'5h8 shafts 56,-for,example, arms 62 are connected and each ofsuch arms has a link connection 53' (Fig- (l) to an-integra'l arm fidofthe related setting segment 5-5. :For the I group of shafts 55 there ,isat the right end of Fig. 5 a group of arms'62 and these have linkconnections 63 to the segments 155- for the printing mechanism at one.side ofthegmachine and the shafts 51 have similararmsfit which havelinkconnections 51 torgthe other segments 65 for the printing mechanismat :the same-sideof the machine, It is also toabeunderstood that theshaft s 5 6,,51at the left :end, have similar operating connections fromthese shafts ;t0;;the' related segments 65 for the printing mechanism atthe other side of the ma chine.-

1 Through the connecting means just described,

7 it is evidentthat-a pair of segments 65forthe same denominationwill beadjusted commensurately and ,inaccordance with the differentialposition-of the related slide 635. Bythe plurality of connections shownin Fig.5.), it is further evident that the two groups of segments 65 arecorrespondingly positioned for eachoperation of the machine and suchposition causes the corresponding positioning ingwheels "Aligningmechanism for bell cranks 53 It is preferable as provide the slot 50(Fig. 4.) somewhat larger than the diameter of; the roller 5.! to enablea free positioning of the slides 635 and theirindependent alignment. Tothis end,

it is desirable to provide an aligning mechanism for-the group of b-ellcranks 53. Each bell crank 53 as shown in; Figs. i and 6 is providedwith a depending segment arm ll! equipped at the bottornywith aligningnotches H. Underlying the segments m is an aligningbail consisting ofside arms 12, andacrossbail 13 which bail is loosely mounted upon ashaft 'l l. A rock shaft [5 carries. armslfi having linkconnections H toeach the cam raceof the -box cam 55 is a follower bell crank 8t pivotedona rod 82. The bell crank iiihas-a link: connection 83 to an arm 84loose ona Shfifbfifirz The upper curved portion of the *arm 8d has-alink connection 85 to an arm 87 loose onthe rock shafts. '.An arm 88secured to-the rock shaft l5 has a spring connection 85 to the arm 8i. 5

- -At substantially 189 rotation of the cam 85 andiafter segments :65have been positioned, the bell crank 56 i will .=.be rocked,counterclockwise, shifting link 83 to; the-fright, rocking arm 84.oounterclockwise and shifting linked to the right to rcckthe arm 8?;Through thejnterconnected spring tattle-arm 88 and thereforethe shaft 15'l, IL;

of thetwo groups of print- 7 l0, elevate the links I! and the bail 13.In the differential position of the bell cranks 53 they will now bepositively aligned. It is, of course, obvious that this operation of thealigning mechanism occurs to concurrently align both sets of settingsegments 65.

Separate tape printing mechanisms A previously intimated the presentmachine includes a novel construction of printing mechanism to provideseparate listings of the checks sorted in each sorting compartment andupon the associated tape there is printed the amount of the check sortedin the related sorting compartment. The simplification of themanufacture of the present mechanism is provided by having two duplicateprinting arrangements, PL and PR; one at each side of the machine andeach to the rear thereof as shown in Fig. 1. The operating connectionsfrom the differentially positioned slides 635 to the two set of segmentsfor the two printing mechanisms have previously been described. Sincethe printing mechanisms are duplicate in construction the descriptionwill be confined to one, particularly for the arrangement shown at theright side of the machine and shown in Figs. 4, 8 and 9.

The printing mechanism in its entirety is supported by two parallel sideplates 95 and 96 and attached to the frame plate 95 by mounting screws9? is a plurality of platen carrying castings 9d spaced from each other.At the bottom of each casting 98 there is inserted a, transvers block ofimpression taking material, such as a block of rubber 99 (Fig. 4). 09are radially adjusted for an operative correlation with the desiredplaten 99 to print upon the selected tape, and the series of printingwheels :09 are impressed against the platen by a percussive action toprint on the paper tape I00 passing around each platen 99. The supportfor the paper tape I00 and its movement in step by step increments tospace the printed lines will be subsequently explained.

Supported by the side frame plates 95 and 96 is a rotatable shaft I0!(Fig. 9) and loosely mounted upon the shaft IOI arethe series of tensetting segments 05. Two side frames W2 and I03 argsecured to therotatable shaft IOI and to provide a rigid framework for the printer theside frame plates I02 and I03 are interconnected by a casting I04 (Fig.4) which not only gives rigidity to the frame but also provides for thesimultaneous positioning movement of the plates I02 and 03 and providesa framework which carries certain parts of the printing mechanism. One

of such parts consists of a rod I85 journalled between the plates I02and I03 and said rod carries a plurality of pairs of pinions R00 andI07, there being one pair I08 and I01 for each of the ten segments 65.The smaller pinion I06 is in continuous meshing relationship with thesegment 65 whereas the related larger pinion I0! attached to the smallerpinion meshes with a pinion 598 to which is secured an associatedprinting wheel I09. The pinion I08 is in mesh with the larger pinion I01while the segments 65 are being differentially positioned, therebycausing the differential rotation of the printing wheels I69 in whateverposition the printing frame I02I03 happens to be in. Each printing wheelI09 is provided With ten digit type 0-9 inclusive but at the normalposition of each printing wheel I09 there is no printing typecoordinated with the printing platen 99. Therefore, if the print- Theprinting wheels 2 ing wheel I09 is not rotated at all, no printing willbe effected in the related column of the tape. The omission of printingi effected by cutting away the tooth which would normally carry a typeand having this relationship at the normal position of the printingwheel I09. However, any differential rotation of the printing whee] I09will bring a selected type to print, it being observed that for printingthe 0 digit type a, rotation of the printing wheel of one step iseffected as is fully described in the aforementioned patents.

The rotation of the printing wheels I09 is determined in the machine nowbeing described by the depression of the ten digit keys 420 shown inFig. 1. Thereafter, a cyclic operation of the machine is effected bydepression of the manual bar 47 which cycles the machine todifferentially position the segments and correspondingly rotate theprinting wheels I09. However, prior to the cyclic operation of themachine there is a radial positioning of the frame I02I03 commensuratewith the rotation of the sorting drum so as to bring the relatedprinting wheels I09 in coordination with the selected tape I00 to beprinted on. The positioning of the sorting drum is determined by theplurality of compartment selecting keys 48 shown in Fig. 1 and upondepression of one of these keys the rotation of the drum is initiatedand effected to a predetermined extent and by an arrangement to besubsequently described the frames I02-I03 of both printing mechanismsare concurrently adjusted but only one set of printing wheels I09 of onprinting mechanism is coordinated with the tape I00 to be printed upon.

Assuming that the frame I02I03 is in the position shown in Fig. 4 andthat the tape I00 just to the left should be printed upon in the nextoperation of the machine, it is to be understood that the spacingbetween the adjacent platens 99 are such that with the segments 05stationary and at normal position and therefore with the blank spaces ofthe printin wheels I09 coordinated with the platen 99, the positioningof the printing frame I02--I03 concurrent with the rotation of thesorting drum will cause the printing wheels H09 to be driven by thepinions I01 as the pinions I00 roll over the now stationary segments 65.The spacing of the platens 99 is such that the group of printing wheelsI09 will make one complete revolution when the frame I02I03 moves fromone platen to the next as the sorting drum is positioned to select anadjacent compartment. After the frame I02I03 has been positioned undercontrol of th differentially rotated sortingdrum, the printing wheelsI09 are then differentially rotated and by means to be subsequentlydescribed will be impressed against the platen 99 to-print upon theselected tape I00.

The sorting mechanism shown in the aforementioned patents consists oftwenty-four sorting compartments and since there is one tape printingmechanism for each sorting compartment it is obvious that for each sideof the machine there are twelve tape printing mechanisms, as shown inFig. 8. Since a duplicate arrangement is provided for the other side themachine provides for selective printing upon twenty-four tapes. Therewill now be described the connection from the sorting drum in themachine shown in the aforementioned patents to the present wheelcarrying frames so that the manner in which the printing wheels I09 ofonly one *9 [printer are positioned to print upon one selected tap IE ata time will be better understood.

Means for radially positioning the two sets of printing wheels 109 Thetwo frames I02 and I03 at each side of the machine'are concurrentlypositioned by the shaft II4 (Fig. 10) which corresponds to the shaftdesignated 60fof the machine shown in the Fuller et al. Patent No;2,142,352. The sorting drum shown in this patent 'is'secur'ed to theshaft BI! and ,is rotated under control of the compartment selecting"keys '48 ineither of the twodirections to. select av compartment toreceive a check. Shaft 1M similarly in the present machine is adapted tobe rotated clockwise or counterclock- Wise commensurat with the movementgiven to the sorting drum. The 'two printer frames [I02 l03 are radiallpositioned by the arrangement shown in Fig. 10 wherein it will be notedthat secured to the shaft H4 is a box cam I having a cam race .I I6which receives a roller I I1 of a p-itman H8. The lower end of thepitman V hasa forked portion I I9 received b the shaft I I4 whereas theupper portion has rack teeth H9 meshing with a pinion I20. It will benoted that the underside of the pitman H8 rests against a roller I2 IThe pinion I is secured to the shaft 54 and the other end of the shaft54 carries a larger pinion I22 in mesh with a gear I23 secured to theshaft I24. 1 An adjustable coupling I (Fig. 9) of any conventionalconstruction is interposed between the shaft I24 and the shaft'lfll. Bythe above operating connection between the sorting drum carrying shaftH4 and the shaft IDI the printer carrying frame 102-503 at the rightside of the machine will cause an angular or radial position ofthisframe according to the compartment selected. rtsnouid also beobserved that while not shown shaft I24 also extends to the left side ofthe machine and has a similar connection to ,the shaft Ill! for thepositionable printerframe at the left side of the machlne. Hence, theposition of the printer frame IEIZ-IUB at the left side of the machineis also effected by i the position of the cam H5 and acco rding to thecompartment selected. Then; will benowexc a e by re ce lih i ie e eh nin 7 Fig. {5 the manner in which thegroup of printing wheels; log at tright side of the machine "W111 be positioned to .print upon theselected tape 1 0 takes by the position'of the sorting drum forselection of compartments are designated in Fig. 10 and the chart shownin Fig. 3 should also be referred to to understand the presentarrangement for "selectively printing on the twenty-four printing tapes.It will also be recalled that at the "right side of the machineprovision is made for printing upon twelve printing tapes Nos. 1 to 12,

inclusive, and as the sorting drum moves from the sorting compartmentpositions 1 to 12, the

group "of printing wheels I99 for the printer at the right side of themachine are coordinated in succession with the selected platens numbered1 to 12, inclusive. This is effected during the clockwise rotation ofthe cam I I5 to the positions Nos.

l-l2. With the printer frame'IIiZ, I 93 for the right sideof the machinein the position shown in Fig. 8 it will be obvious that the relatedgroup of printing wheels I09 are in position to effect printinguponthetapesurrounding platen No. l.

I This relation of the print wheelsand platen No.

1 is shown in the-chart in Fig. 3. At this time, sorting compartment No.1 is in the check receiving position and cam H5 is in the N0. 1 positionshown inFig. 10.

" side is set to be midway between platens numbered'Z l and 23 asdiagrammatically'shown in Fig. 3. While the'construction for the leftside ofthe machine has-not been shown in the draw- 'ings this relativepositioning can be clearly vis- 7 ualized by assumingthat for this leftside of the machine the printing wheels- I69 are between platenscorresponding to platens 1 and 2 for the "right side of the machine.-The adjustable coupling I25 therefore enables the midway positioning ofthe'p'rinting'wheels "H29 for-the left side of the machine whereas thegroup of printing wheelsfor the-right side of the machine are in Ioperative correlation with the platens Nos. 1-12 when compartments l-l2are selected forreceiv- I relative positionof the two printer frames by7 means of which one group of wheels I 09 always when compartments l-12are selected. Assuming that the "operator should desire to selectcompartment number 2 for receiving a check to be'sortedflthe relatedcompartment selecting 'key No. 2 will be depressed to effect a clockwiserotation of thesorting drum and at the same time the shaft 1 I4 'andtherefore the cam H5 rotates counterclockwise 15 from No. 1 position toNo. 2

position. 1 The portion of the cam race II5 for this 15 movement of'camI I5will coact with the has a midway position with respect to itsplatens.

I The combined check sorting and acc ounting machine to which thepresent improvementsare applied has provision for sorting papers orchecks into twenty-four sorting compartmentsand these are referred toherein as 1 to 2d and areselected under control ofthe twenty-fourcompartment selecting keys v 58 shown in Fig. 1. Obviously,

since the sorting drum is fixed to thefshaft" H4,

the movement of the sorting drum from one sortmg compartment position tothe adjacent comv "portment position will cause an angular movement ofthe sorting drum, andtherefore, theshaft H4 onwhich the drum issecured,to an extent of 15. The different positions that the cam II5 roller IIl'and through the positioning mechanism shown in Fig. 10 will'rotateshaft I24 to now cause the printing Wheels I09 at the right side of themachine to be coordinated with platen No. 2.

However; sincethe group of printing wheels I99 at the'left side Of themachine is still one-half step ahead theywill be midway between platensNos. 23"and 2'2; In th'e machine now being described, the" sorting drumremains in the last ad- I justed position and if sorting compartment No.6

should'then be selected, the drum will be rotated to the No. 6compartment position and cam I I5 will cause the furthercounterclockwise positioning of the printer frame I92, I03 at the rightside I of the machine to coordinate the printing wheels I09 fOrthiS sideWith platen N0. 6 and this will bring th'printing wheels for the leftside of the machine between platens Nos. shown in the diagram of Fig. 3.

Summarizing therefore, by the selection of any of the compartments Nos.1 to 12, inclusive, the group of printing wheels IE9 at the right sideof themachine will always be coordinated with the platens Nos. 1-12 toprint upon the associated printing tape. Concurrently with suchpositioning, due to the half step ahead positioning of the print wheelsI09 for the left side of the machine, such wheels will always occupy anintermediate and one-half step position ahead with respect to theassociated platens Nos. 13124. Assuming now that the sorting drum is inthe position for selection of No. 12 compartment to receive a check, itis evident that the group of printing wheels I09 at the right side ofthe machine will be coordinated with platen No. 12 whereas the group ofprinting wheels I09 for the left side of the machine will be a half stepbeyond platen No. 13, which has the same relative position as No. 12platen. If the operator desires to select the compartment No. 13, a 15movement of cam II will ensue but the cam formation for this angularmovement of the cam H5 from No. 12 to No. 13 (Fig. 10) is such that onlya half step of movement of the printing frames at the right and the leftsides of the machine takes place and such movement will be reverse orclockwise as viewed in Fig. 8, for both sides of the machine. This halfstep of movement of the printing wheels I09 for the right side of themachine will now position the printing wheels I09 between the No. 11 andNo. 12 platens whereas the group of printing wheels N19 for the leftside of the machine will now be coordinated with platen No. 13 (see Fig.3) and hence the latter wheels will effect printing upon the tapesurrounding platen No. 13. For furthr clockwise positioning of the camII5, each successive angular step of movement of cam II5 for 15 willmove the printing wheels for both sides of the machine a single step,and for the left side of the machine the wheels I09 will 19 and 18, as

always be coordinated with a platen, whereas,

for the right side of the machine the group of printing wheels I09 willmaintain their midway positions with respect to the associated platens.The chart shown in Fig. 3 shows diagrammatically the coordination of theprinting wheels for the left side of the machine for platen No. 24whereas the group of printing wheels for the right side of the machinehas moved a half step clockwise away from platen No. 1. When the sortingdrum moves from compartment No.

24 to compartment No. 1 this again effects only a half step of movementof the group of printing wheels N39 for both sides of the machine tocoordinate printing wheels I09 for the right side of the machine withplaten No. l and to bring the printing wheels for the left side of themachine midway of platens Nos. 24 and 23.

The possibility of causing the printing wheels at the right side of themachine to be coordinated with platens Nos. 1 to 12 during the Nos. 1-12positions of the cam H5 and to cause the print wheels I89 at the leftside of the machine to be coordinated with platens Nos. 13 to 24,inelusive, during the N05. 13-24 positions of cam I I5 results from therelative positions of the two frames and from the construction of thecam race H6. The cam contour of cam II5 makes it possible to offset thetwo printer frames I02, I03 for the right and left sides of the machineso that the group of printing wheels I09 at the right side of themachine willbe beneath any platen Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive when sortingcompartments 1 to 12, inclusive are selected. Further, the printer frameH22, H13 at the left side of the machine will be positioned so that therelated group of printing wheels I69 will be coordinated with platensNos. 13 to 24 when sorting compartments Nos. 13 to 24 are selected forreceiving the sorted checks or papers.

It has been assumed in the preceding description that cam H5 is onlyrotated clockwise but this is because of the description for theselection of compartments 1 to 24 in the order named. However, this maynot be the actual operation of the machine because the checks which areto be sorted occur promiscuously with regard to their numberedclassifications. The machine shown in the aforementioned patents andherein enables the sorting drum to be rotated directly from one positionto the other either counterclockwise or clockwise, the drum alwaystaking the shorter position to bring the next selected compartment to acheck receiving position. Hence, the printer frames'IfiZ, I93 at theright and left sides of the machine will follow such clockwise orcounterclockwise movement of the sorting drum but it is obvious that therelationship shown in the chart of Fig. 3 will be maintained inselecting compartments according to the presently adopted principle ofoperation. Whether the sorting drum rotates backwardly or forwardly, theselection of compartments 1 to 12 will cause the printing wheels IE9 atthe right side of the machine to always print upon the tapes surroundingthe related platens 1-12 and the same statement can be made for theselection of the printing platens 13-24 at the left side of the machinewhen the compartments 13 to 24 are selected for check reception.

Aligning mechanism for printer frames When the printer frames areadjusted to their predetermined radial positions it is desirable thatthey be aligned in such positions and to this end an aligning mechanismis provided which is shown in Fig. 6.

As shown in the drawings for the printer at the right side of themachine, each of the printer side frame plates Ill2-Ill3 is providedwith a depending segment I 38 provided at the periphery with aligningnotches I3I, there being one alignin notch for each radial position ofthe printer frame. In the radial position of a printer frame a selectednotch I3I of both plates I132, I93 is engaged by an aligning bail I32.This aligning bail is of the customary form consisting of two side armsand the cross bail member I32 and the bail is loosely pivoted on asupport shaft One side arm of the bail has an extension which has a linkconnection I34 to an arm I35 loosely pivoted on a support shaft 135. Anarm IS? integral with the arm I35 has a link connection I38 to an armI39 attached to the rock shaft I5. The means for rocking the shaft so asto operate the aligning mechanism for the actuating segments II haspreviously been described and obviously when the shaft I5 is rocked toeffect this aligning function, arm I39 will also be rocked clockwise,link I38 will be moved downwardly and through the rocking of the arm I31and the link I34 bail I32 will be moved upwardly to aligning position.The cross member of this bail will engage the aligning notches I3I forboth printer side frame plates I02, I63, thus aligning them in theradial position of the printer frame.

prevented by cooperation of the roller I18 in the bottom portion of thenotch I19 in the operatin plate I50. The tension on the spring I13 andthe cooperation of the projection I14 with the extension I15 of theoperating plate I maintains the .printing wheel carrying frame in suchposition that pinions I03 are maintained in mesh with the actuatingpinions I01 and spring I13 is ineffective to rock the printing wheelcarryin frame to impress the printing wheels I09 against a selectedplaten 99. However, the printing wheel carrying frame is released orunlatched to effect this printing impression by means to be described.-

By the aforesaid rocking movement of the operating plate I50 effectedby' means previously described the operating plate I50 is first rockedcounterclockwise as viewed in Fig. 11, bringing the extension I15 awayfrom the extension I14 and since this cooperation normally restrains therocking of the printing wheel carrying frame by the normally .tensionedspring I13, such frame would be released for a rocking movement at thistime but such action is prevented by cooperation of the extension I14with a latch pawl 205 pivoted on the plate I03. As the operating plateI50 rocks counterclockwise the cooperation of the lower part of notchI19 in the plate I50 with the roller I18.carried by the release leverI11 causes roller I18 to be moved concentrically about the pivot pointI16 of the release lever I11. This results in the rocking of the releaselever I 11 in a clockwise direction about its pivot stud I16 so that ata certain point in this rocking movement a projection 206 of the releaselever I11 will hit a stud 201 of the latch pawl 205, rocking the latterso as to disengage it from the extension I14. During the rocking of therelease lever I11, spring I13 is further extended and tensioned and atthe time it is sufficiently extended the latch pawl 205 is completelydisengaged from the latch extension I14 and the spring I13 is effectiveto rock the printing wheel carrying frame about the journal pins I69 toimpress the group of printing wheels against the selected platen with ahammer blow.

In any customary manner an inking ribbon 208 (Fig. 4) may be interposedbetween the group of printing wheels I09 and the paper tapes so that inany position of the printer carrying frame the printing impression willbe effected on the selected paper tape.

In the reverse rocking movement of the operating plate I50 which isclockwise as viewed in Fig. 11, the extension I15 will engage theextension I14 and rock the printing wheel carrying frame about itsjournal pins I09 until the parts are in the normal position shown inFigs. 4 and 11. By reverse action the print release lever I11 will alsobe brought back to its normal position.

Hence, in any radially adjusted position of either printer frame thecommon operating means of the machine will effect the unlatching of thegroup of printing wheels to be selected for a printing impression tocause the selected group of printing wheels to be impressed against theplaten,

Aligning mechanism for printing wheels It is desirable that the group ofprinting Wheels I09 be aligned and firmly held to secure a straight lineof print on the paper tape because when moved to effect the printingimpression the related gears I08 are out of mesh with the actuatinggears I01 and therefore are not restrained or locked. To this end, thereis provided an aligning bail 2I0 pivoted between frame plates I66, I61and having aligning fingers 2 (Figs. 4 and 9) which aligning fingers areadapted to fit within the interdental spaces of the pinions I08. Thealigning fingers 2| I are normally out of engagement with pinions I08because in the normal position of the print release lever I11 a lateralextension or lug 2I2 (Fig. 12) thereof is in contact with a pin 2i3extending from the bail 2I0. This retains the bail in such position thatfingers 2H do not engage pinions I08.

However, when the print release lever I 11 is rocked clockwise the lug2I2 will be shifted away from the pin 2I3 and a spring 2I4 (Fig. 4) willnow rock the bail about its pivot pins 2I5 on the printing wheelcarrying frame I65, I67 and aligning fingers 2H will now look pinionsI08 and the printing wheels I09. Of course, when the print release leverI11 is restored, reverse action will take place and hail 2I0 will bebrought to the normal position shown in Fig. 12, enabling the freerotation of the printing wheels I09,

The print release lever I11 is provided with a cam slot 2E8 (Fig. 13)cooperating with a roller ZI'I carried by a reciprocable arm 2I8 pivotedat 2I8 on the printer side frame plate I03, The ca'm formation 2I5 issuch that the rocking of the print release lever I11 clockwise will rockthe arm 2:8 downwardly and then by the restoration of the print releaselever the arm 2I8 will be returned upwardly to normal position. As willbe subsequently described, the reciprocation of arm 258 will effect thepaper feed operation.

Paper tape carrying devices for the printing mechanisms and paper tapefeeding devices For each side of the machine there are twelve identicalprinting mechanisms each of which includes means for carrying andfeeding the record tapes against which the printing wheels I09 areimpressed. The arrangement of the printing mechanisms for the right sideof the machine is shown in Figs. 8 and 9 and the specific constructionof each will now be given.

Each printing mechanism consists of the casting 88 which carries theindividual platen 99. Pivoted upon a stud I (Figs. 8 and 9) carried bythe side frame plate 95 is an arm IHI and said arm carries a spindle I82on which is placed a supply roll of paper I83. The paper tape I00 leadsoff the roll I83 and'extencls downwardly as indicated by I84 (Fig, 8),thence passing around the platen 99, upwardly from the platen asindicated by I85, thence around a feeding roller I88 and is then guidedby a guide plate I81. As the paper tape is fed upwardly or outwardly itdrops by gravity over a circular plate I88 (Fig. 1). It is pointed outthat all of the paper tapes for the twelve printing mechanisms emerge inthis manner exteriorly of machine over the circular plate I88 and asthey are printed and fed in increments they drop over the plate I88 inan overlapping manner to be detached by the operator at will.

It is, of course, necessary to feed the paper tape an increment aftereach printing operation and to this end the paper supply roller I83 isspring-urged so that the paper tape at I85 is between the feeding rollerI86 and the periphery of the supply roll E88. By rotating the roller I86in increment it is obvious that it shifts or feeds the paper a step andat the same time rotates the supply roll I83 clockwise to unwind thepaper tape. For the above described frictional engagement, surroundingthe stud I80 is a coil spring 17 I 90 (Figs. 8 and 9), one end of whichbears against a fixed stud ISI and the other against the spindle iBZ,With the arrangement of the spring shown in Fig; 8 it'is obvious thatthe desired frictional relationship is secured. 1

I To provide the step by step increment of the feeding roller I86 thelatter'has secured thereto a ratchet wheel I92 (Fig. 9) which is engagedby the operating end I93 of "a reciprocating plate I84. Av spring I95urges the operating end of the plate I94. against the ratchet wheel I92and the plate 194 is slotted at I96 to be received by the lower stud" 9Lrsee Fig. 13.) Each plate I94 carries a stud I98. Obviously, bydepressing each plate I92 its operative relationship with the ratcheti923 of the feeding, roller I86 of the related printing mechanismwillfeed the paper tape of that printing mechanism a step to space theprinted items. Obviously, since the only paper tape of the platen whichis selected for Operation should be operated, means is provided toselectively operate each of'the'plates I92 To this end the reciprocatingarm 2I8 is provided with lateral lugs I99. (Fig. 13.) In accordance withthe radial position of the printer frame the lugs I99 will be underneathand over the stud I98 c-fthe plate I95 of the selected platen and whensaid arm 2 i s is rocked the upper lug I99 will contact the stud Hi3 anddepress the plate I94 to feed the paper'strip'. The arm M8 is rockedprior to the snapping of the printing Wheels Hi9 against the platen t9and therefore the paper tape of the selected platen is fed to bring thelast printed line away from the platen 99 and present a fresh portion ofthe paper tape to the platen 99.

If so desired the guide plate "I8?" (Fig. 8) of each printing mechanismmay be equipped at its outer end with a serrated edge whereby theoperator may detach the printed portion of the paper tape from theremainder. The construction is such that it is possible for the operatorto pull outwardly on the printed and projecting part of the tape tounroll it from the supply roller sufficiently so that the last printeditem is away fromthe severing point at which his detached. To facilitatesuch feeding operations each spindle its-carries a'knurle'd knob 2%(Fig. 9) which is Ribbon feed and associated feeding mechanism I It hasbeen indicated that themachine is provided with a wide ribbon stripdesignated by reference numeral 238 and such ribbon passes beneath allof the twelve platens 953 for each side of the machine. Any suitableribbon reversing mechanism maybe provided so that the ribbon is fed inone direction and then to the other to continuously present afreshsupply of inked ribbon to the printing wheels and platens. Nodescription is given herein of'the presently usedribb'on'ie'edirrg"mechanismsince it is conventional in structure andoperation;

Means for indicating and printing a designation indicating compartmentat check receiving position As in Patent No. 2,142,352 the presentmachine also includes an arrangement which sets up printing elementsindicating the particular compartment in which a check is sorted and toalso set a visible indicator which the operator may look at to checkthecompartment selected before he depresses the motor release bar ii tocycle the machine. The present construction is somewhat different fromthat shown in the machine of Patent No. 2,142,352 and is shown in Fig;10.

- 'Rotatable with the pinion lid is a larger pinion 235 which is in meshwith a slidably mounted rack 235andthe latter has an integral rack slide231' meshing with agear 2-33 secured to an indicating-wheel 239'. This,as in the patented machine; is provided in the front of the machine 4(see Fig. 1') so that characters on the wheel will accessible to theoperator and can be rotated to iced the paper tape the desired amountinde-,. pendently of the-operation of the machine. Eirhaustedcompartment tape signal The present machine also includes thearrangement fully shown and'described in the patent to F. L; Fuller,etali, No. 2,142,352 by which the machine is locked up and the operatorreceives tension 225 (Fig. 8) in the plane of a related stud 226.The'studs 226 are carried by an arcuate portion 22 of aframe whichconsists of the arcuate portion 221 and radial arms 228 and 229, whichframe is pivoted upon a stud axially with respect to the shaft IIJI.Obviously, as the diameter of each paper roll reduces, the arm 225*willapproach the stud 2 26 and the reduction in the size of th'e'roll whichoccurs when the last of the paper strip has been drawn from the rollcauses the counterclockwise rocking of'the aforementio'ned segmentframe. It will be" observed that this frame also carries anextra pin orstud 230" indicate the position that the sorting drum is in.

A supplemental rack portion 248 of the slide 237 meshes with a pinion242 secured to a shaft 245. The shaft 2-4! also carries another pinionlike the. pinion 242 which'meshes with the rack teeth 243 ofv a; typebar 2M. This type bar will print uponithe' controltape a numeralindicatingwhich compartment has been selected for check sortingoperations. last selected position and is rotated in either direction tobring the next selected compartment to position. Consequently, the typebar 2% may be moved ;.upwardly and downwardly and the indicator 239 maybe rotated clockwise or counterclockwise/bringing both to such numeraldesignating'positions'that a character will be printed andindicatedthatcorresponds to the positionof the sorting drum.

Meanafor indicating-the taking of a total and designating compartmenttape number upon prin-iing atotal on each COMpOZTtmGTLt tape The machinein. which the present improvements' are incorporated is provided withmeans it being observed that this is initiated by the The s'orting drumremains in the depression of a total taking key. The operation of thiskey arranges to set a character to print T alongside of the total amountand to also print the number of the compartment when the total is taken.This compartment number on the tape identifies the classification of theamounts and the related totals.

By any suitable means, depression of the total key may be arranged toshift a link 2611 (Fig. 4) which, through an arm 26], rocks a shaft 5ST.This shaft as observed in Fig. 4 is the top shaft of the series and byconnections previously described in connection with the setting up ofthe segments 65 for each printer, two additional segments fitN and 85T(Fig. 9) are adjusted to the position of a single step.. The segment225T will, through pinions I05, I61 and IE8, turn the Wheel 169T a stepto bring the printing character T to printing position. This characterwill be printed on the record tape selected for printing of the total ofthe amounts of checks sorted in the related compartment.

The segment 65N will, through similar pinions Hi8, I01 and IE8, turn oradjust a disk 262 which is loosely mounted on the shaft I10. This diskis provided with a lug 263 (Fig. 9) which, in the adjusted position ofthe disk 262, will be beneath a printing type 264 (Fig. 4) which iscarried by a spring plate 265. Hence, when the group of printing wheels39 is unlatched and strikes the platen 99 with a hammer blow, the lug253 will strike the type 264 to print the related compartment number onthe control tape. This provides for not only printing the total on aline but also the number of the compartment and the designation T,meaning that the amount printed is a total of the items printed on thetape.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out thefundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a singlemodification, it will be understood that various omissions andsubstitutions and changes in the form and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intentiontherefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, separate movableframes each carrying one of the sets of printing wheels, said movableframes being connected together so as to cause said frames to have suchrelative positions that one set of printing wheels has a normal printingposition in a series of printing positions when the other set has aposition one-half step away from the normal printing position in anotherseries of printing positions, and reciprocating means for said frames tosimultaneously move both of said frames in either direction to positionone set of printing wheels at a series of printing positions as theother set is maintained a one-half step away from its series of printingpositions, and said last named means including means operable at thetermination of the full extent of movement in either direction toreverse the direction of movement of said frames and to cause aconcurrent one-half step of movement of both frames to now move the setof wheels previously onehalf step away from a printing position toprinting position, and to now move the other set of wheels previously atprinting position to a posi tion one-half step away from printingposition.

2. In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, each carried by aseparatemovable frame,

means connecting each of said movable-frames to cause said frames tohave such relative positions that one set of printing wheels has anormal printing position. in a series of printing positions when theother set has a position onehalf step away from the normal printingposition in another series of printing positions, reciprocating meansfor said frames including cam means to simultaneously move both of saidframes in either direction to position one set of printing wheels at aseries of printing positions as the other set is maintained a one-halfstep away from each. of its series of printing positions, and said cammeans including means operable at the full extent of movement of theframes in either direction to reverse the direction of movement of bothframes and tocause a concurrent one-half step of movement of both framesto move a set of wheels previously one-half step away from a printingposition toprinting position and to move the other set of wheelspreviously at printing position to a position one-half step away fromprinting position.

3. In a printing machine, two sets of' printing wheels, each carried bya separate movable frame, means connecting each of said movable framesto cause said frames to have such relative positions that one set ofprinting wheels always has a normal printing position in a series ofprinting positions when the other set has a position onehalf step awayfrom the normal position in another series of printing positions,reciprocating means for said frames including rotatable cam means tosimultaneously move both of said frames in either direction and forsuccessive equal angular movements of said cam means to position one ofthe sets of printing wheels at a series of printing positions as theother set is maintained a one-half step away from each of its series ofprinting positions, and said cam means including diametrically oppositemeans operable at the full extent of movement of the frames in eitherdirection to reverse the direction of movement of said frames and tocause a concurrent one-half step of movement of both frames to move aset of wheels previously one-half step away from a printing position toprinting position, and to move the other set of wheels previously atprinting position to a position one-half step away from printingposition.

4. In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, each carried by aseparate movable frame, means connecting each of said movable frames tocause said frames to have such relative positions that one set ofprinting wheels always has a normal printing position in a series ofprinting positions when the other set has a position one-half step awayfrom the normal printing position in another series of printingpositions, reciprocating means for said frames including cam meansoperable through 360 to simultaneously move both of said frames ineither direction for successive equal angular movements of the cam meansto position one of the sets of printing wheels at a series of printingpositions as the other set is maintained at one-half step away from eachof its series of printing positions, and said cam means includingdiametrically opposite cam means operable at the full extent of movementof said frames in either direction to cause the direction of movement ofsaid frames to be reversed and to cause a concurrent onehalf step ofmovement of both frames to move a set of wheels previously one-half stepaway from a printing position to printing position, and

.set of printing wheels, means connecting said movable frames to causesaid frames to'have such relativepositions that one set of printingWheels is always coordinated with a platen ofone series two sets ofprinting when the other set of printing wheels occupies V a position aone-half step away froma platen of the'other series, and means forsimultaneously moving said framesin either direction to cause the firstof said sets of printing wheels tobe successively coordinated with therelated series of platens as the other or second set of printing wheelsmaintains its one-halfstep position away fromtherelated series ofplatens, and including means operable at the full extent of movement ineither direction to then reverse the direction of movement of saidframes-and to cause concurrently a one-half step movement of both ofsaid frames to coordinate the second set of printing wheels with one ofthe related series of platens asthe first of said sets of printingwheels is moved to occupy a one-half step position away from one of therelated series of platens.

6. In a printing machine, two sets of printing wheels, each set carriedby a related movable frame, two series of platens, one for each set ofprinting wheels, means connecting said movable frames to cause saidframesto have such relative positions-that one set of printing wheels isalways coordinated with a platen of the related series when the otherset of printing wheels occupies a position one-half step away from aplaten of the other series,- and reciprocating means including cammeansfor moving-the connecting means to simultaneously move said framesin either direction to cause the first of said sets of printing wheelsto he successively coordinated with the related series of platens as theother or second set of printing wheels maintains its one-half stepposition away'from the related series of platens, and including meansoperable at the full extent of movement in either direction to" reversethe direction of the movement of said connecting meansand-said framesa'ndconcurrently effecting a one-half step movement of'both of saidframes to coordinate the second set of printing wheels with one of therelated series of platens as the first of said sets of printing Wheelsis moved to occupy a one-half step position away from one of the relatedseries of platens.

'7. In a printing machine, two sets of printing movement of both ofsaidframes to coordinate one set of printing wheels with one of the relatedseries of platens as the other of said sets of printing wheels ismovedto occupy a one-half step position away from one ofthe relatedseri'es of platehsl v In a printing machine, two sets of printingwheels, each set carried by a related movable frame, two series ofplatens, one for each set of printing wheels, means connecting saidmovable frames to cause said frames to have such. relative positionsthat one set of printingwheelsis always I to'be moved to be successivelycoordinated with the related series of platens as the other or secondset, of printing wheels maintains itsvone-ha'lf step I position awayfrom the related series of platens,

' relatedoseries of platens as the other. of 'said s ets wheels, eachset carried by a related movable frame, two series of platens, one foreach set of printing wheels, means connecting'said movable frames tocause said frames to have such relativepositions that one set ofprintingjwheels is always coordinated with a platen of one series as theother set of printing wheels occupies a, position one-half step awayfrom a platen of the other series and means for simultaneously movingsaid frames in either direction to cause one of said sets of printingwheels in either direction of movement to be successively coordinatedwith the related series of platens as the other set of printing wheelsmaintains its one-half step position away from the related series ofplatens, and including means operable as the full extent of move ment ofsaid frames in either direction is completed to reverse the direction ofmovement of said frames and to cause an initial one-half step ofprinting wheels occupiesa one-half step position away from one of therelatedseries of platensj 9. In a printing machine, having two setsofprinting wheels, a movable frame for-each set of printing wheels, meansfor connecting said frames so thatthey normally have such; relativepositions that one set of printing wheels is always at a normal printingposition as the other set of printing wheels is a one-half stepaway froma printing position, a set of 'dilierentiallyactuated racks for each setof wheels, means for concurrently setting bothof said sets of racksltodifierentialpositions while bothof said: frames and wheels are at rest,to. thereby set said wheelsto represent a value. to be printed frornone'of said' sets of -wheels, means.for moving saidrframes in one directionwhile said differentially actuated racks are at rest to cause one of thesets of printing wheels .to occupy successive printing-positions as theother set occupies succe'ssivepositions one' half step away fromprinting position and for then reversing the direction of movementof theframes and concurrently causing the printing 1 wheels which wereone-halfstep away from printing position to now occupy a printingposition as the printing wheels previously at printing position are nowpositioned one-half step away from printing position, and means forpositioning said wheels and the related sets of racks so that as eachset of wheels is moved from one printing position to an adjacentprinting position the printing wheels will roll over the now stationaryracks to maintain the value representing positions of the wheelseffected by the differential actuation of the racks.

10. In a machine having the structure defined in the preceding claim 9in which each set of printing wheels has a coordinated series ofplatens, and means to position each series of platens so that atprinting position one of the sets

